John Stones is on the shortlist for Everton this summer as David Moyes looks to beef up his defensive options a bit.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski were a questionable partnership in the final games of last season as Everton failed to win any of their last seven matches, while Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury setback means the Toffees could use another face in the centre-back department.
While Stones is an option after his departure from Manchester City, Joe Thomas of the Liverpool Echo has now revealed why the England international is not exactly a priority.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
Everton are wary of regular John Stones absences
The former Toffee only managed to make 18 appearances for Manchester City last season due to injury issues, and Everton are fearful of signing him as a result – even on a free transfer.
Thomas told the Royal Blue podcast: “He (Moyes) already has a problem with a small squad as it is, and the last thing he wants to try and do is bring in problems. Players that are probably going to miss huge chunks of the season, even if they can provide significant experience or moments of quality.
“If they’re going to be so fleeting as that, then there isn’t a value, particularly if they’re going to be expensive, and that’s the same reason why Stones is – certainly at the start of the summer anyway – not someone that’s particularly high on their radar.”
Thomas did – however – suggest Everton might be more open to signing Jarrod Bowen for the opposite reason, given his reliability when it comes to fitness and his ability to deliver regularly.
He added: “Jarrod Bowen, I think, is a different kettle of fish, because I think he’s playing in his prime, he’s repeatedly shown that he can do it in the Premier League over the last few years, not just score goals, but have an impact on the game.”
Do Everton still need to add a new centre-back this summer? 🤔
A move for Bowen would be very exciting, although it could also raise question marks as to why Everton spent £40m to sign the struggling Tyler Dibling back in August, a player who operates in the same position and with a similar style in terms of cutting in from the right on his left foot.
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